CHINESE HERBS FOR BREAST CANCER
Causes of Breast Cancer According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Herbal Medicines for Breast Cancer
Single Herbs Used for Breast Cancer
Herbs to treat the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy
Some Research on Chinese Herbs and Cancer
Getting Professional Help with Chinese Medicine
CANCER AND BREAST CANCER ACCORDING TO TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Though there is no word for cancer in the annals of Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are numerous conditions with traditional names that would be diagnosed as cancer by physicians today.
Ironically, modern physicians are beginning to recognize that cancer is not a single disease, but many different ones. This recently adopted point of view is close to the view of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The traditional Chinese treatment of cancer is based on the principle of Fu Zheng Gu Ben. "Fu Zheng" means strengthening what is correct. "Gu Ben" means regeneration and repair.
We also believe that every disease, including cancer, must have at least two causes. One cause may place stress upon the cells, another may cause a weakness in the body's defense. Other causes, such as susceptibility can also play a part.
Treating cancer with Chinese herbs requires diagnosing the probable causes of the cancer, then choosing the correct course of treatment. Diagnosis is made according to the four examinations. The aim of treatment is to harmonize the patient as well as it is to attack cancerous cells.
Breast Cancer
Commonly, there are at least three causes that underly most breast cancers. Stagnation, damp accumulation, and toxicity. In the West, we are familiar with the toxic causes of cancer. Thousands of substances have been documented to "cause" cancer. What is missing from our modern-day understanding are several traditional Chinese concepts.
First is the concept of flow and how it relates to health.
Good health depends on normal flows of fluid and energy (blood and qi). These flows are responsible for nourishment and discharge. Flows are effected by physical, mental, and environmental influences. Poor flow (stagnation) can lead to accumulations (tumors, cysts, etc.). Cancer can occur when poor flow causes prolonged exposure to toxicity. These toxic carcinogins can come from outside or inside the body. Our bodies are chemical factories, capable of generating toxic waste. When elimination of this waste is impeded by stagnation, stress is placed upon the cells. Cancer is one possible outcome.
Normalizing these flows and stregnthening "what is correct", tends to promote recovery and health.
The second missing concept is immunity.
In the West, we are beginning to recognize our immune system and what its role might be in the cause and cure of many diseases, including cancer.
TCM has recognized the immune concept for several thousand years. In that time, many ways have been devised to enhance the protective qi.
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CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES USED TO TREAT BREAST CANCER
Single herbs are rarely used. Herbs are always combined into formulas. These formulae will vary from person to person and according to changing conditions in each person. Formulas usually contain herbs for several different purposes. Herbs to move qi, anti-cancer herbs, immune building herbs, herbs to neutralize toxins, are combined with herbs that correct underlying imbalances. Professional help by Chinese herbologists experienced in treating cancer is highly recommended. In-person help is important, avoid e-mail and phone consultations. Try to find help on our resource page.
For those with no source of help, the following base formula may be of help.
bupleurum, oldenlandia, taraxacum, scutellaria, aurantium, curcuma
Several herbal products may be even more helpful, because they are tablets, easier to take and to persevere with. They are available without prescription.
Health Concerns: Marrow Plus
Health Concerns: Bupleurum Entagled Qi
Seven Forest: Paris 7
Seven Forest: Chih Ko and Curcuma
To relieve stress in the chest (breast) and optimize flow use:
Dr Shen's: Free & Easy Pills
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SOME HERBS USED TO TREAT CANCER
Vitalize Blood and/or Qi Herbs
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Some Anti-Cancer Herbs
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Some
Strengthening Herbs
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Miscellanious Herbs
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E Zhu
Curcuma Zedoaria
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Lu Feng Fang
Hornet Nest
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Xi Yang Shen
American Ginseng
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LuGen
Phragmites
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Tao Ren
Persicae Semen
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Long Kui
Solanum
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Shu Di Huang
Chinese Foxglove Root
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Bai Mao Gen
Imperata
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Hong Hua
Carthami Tinctori
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Ban Zhi Lian
Scutellaria
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Gan Cao
Chinese Licorice Root
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Mu Li - Oyster Shell
and other shells
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San Leng
Sparganii Rhizoma
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Dong Ling Cao
Rabdosime Rubescentis
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Dang Gui
Angelica Sinensis
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Pu Gong Yin
Taraxacum
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Wu Ling Shi
Trogopterori Pteromi
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Bai Hua She She Cao
Oldenlandia
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Bie Jia
Turtle shell
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Ji Xue Teng
Millettia
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HERBS USED TO TREAT THE SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY & RADIATION
The side effects of chemotherapy and radiation are not the same for everyone. Different chemicals, different people, different disease mean that each case must be assessed seperately. We offer the following information for those with no recourse to professional help.
Nausea - Acupuncture is useful, so are Dr. Shen's Stomach Curing Pills
Fatigue - A good general tonic is Golden Book Pills
Lowered Immunity - Jade Shield Pills
Dryness - Mai Wei di Huang Wan
Skin Burns - Jing Wan Hong Ointment
Low Libido - Man's Treasure (for men and women)
Flu-like symptoms (tidal fever, scratchy throat) - Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan
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